How To Deal With Separation Anxiety In Children

By Kenneth Beason

It is normal for children to experience separation anxiety when they start leaving home for school.Separation anxiety is often compared to anxiety attacks that adults experience. However, there are some ways by which the anxiety can be reduced by teaching your children to cope with the condition.

The condition cannot be effectively addressed without first knowing the symptoms and causes of the condition. The major symptoms of separation anxiety are fear and nervousness. Other symptoms include refusal to leave the home, headaches, temper tantrums and even nightmares about being separated.

The condition may often develop after a child experience a stressful event. The stressful even could be anything from being scolded or losing a toy, so it is important to immediately identify any symptoms and treat them accordingly.

Medication and psychotherapy are the usual treatment options for separation anxiety. It is also important for the child's guardians to focus on the child's health and ensure that the child is eating properly and is getting enough rest. Poor nutrition and inadequate rest can lead to the development of other anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy involves a counseling session with a psychologist or psychiatrist and has been effective in treating anxiety in both adults and children. Psychotherapy aims to make a child comfortable with the idea of separating from his guardians and fostering new coping mechanisms. In some cases, giving medications and herbal remedies may be an effective method for lowering the stress levels of children, thus freeing their minds to come up with a healthier coping behavior.

It is important to remember that there are no known methods for preventing separation anxiety. Your best recourse is just to help the child in managing the condition. Children who are having difficulty with adjusting can undergo a more thorough option involving behavioral therapy, nutritional and dietary changes, and medication. Treating this condition as early as possible may probably save the child from future anxiety disorders. - 31520

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